SHE can't afford it and HE doesn't want it: The gender gap in the COVID-19 consumption response

Arbeitspapier

This paper explores whether and why the pandemic differentially altered women and menÕs consumption behavior. After the 2020 wave of lockdown restrictions were lifted, women reduced consumption more than men. Data on self-reported reasons for consuming less reveals that gender differences in infection risk aversion and precautionary saving motives are small. I find consider- able gender differences in the reporting of affordability constraints and consumer preference shifts. Women report financial constraints more frequently. Men adapted more to the limited consumption possibilities during the lockdown and frequently reported Ã'not missingÃ" various items as the primary reason for spending less than pre-pandemic.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper ; No. TI 2022-029/II

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis ; Household Saving; Personal Finance ; Distribution: General ; Macroeconomics: Consumption; Saving; Wealth ; Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
• Subject: COVID-19 ; gender gap ; gender equality ; household consumption ; consumer preferences ; experience effects ; fiscal policy

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Huber, Stefanie
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Tinbergen Institute
• (where): Amsterdam and Rotterdam
• (when): 2022

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/263949
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET